Costa Rica Northern Loop

Costa Rica Northern Loop – Arenal Volcano, Rio Celeste and Guanacaste

Take a loop through three of the most popular areas in the Northwestern regions of Costa Rica. This trek will take you from the incredible, aquamarine waters of the Rio Celeste to the iconic Arenal Volcano and end at the white sand beaches of Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste where you can enjoy the spectacular sunsets along the Pacific Coast. Your journey will include an array of climates and differing landscapes as you traverse lush tropical rain forest, primary and secondary dry forests, and sandy beaches. Which one will be your favorite? It is going to be very hard to choose. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Explore the stunning Northwestern regions of Costa Rica on a captivating journey that encompasses the breathtaking Rio Celeste, the iconic Arenal Volcano, and the pristine Playa Flamingo.
  • Experience the vibrant hues of the Rio Celeste’s aquamarine waters, creating a mesmerizing sight that will leave you in awe.
  • Witness the majestic Arenal Volcano, an iconic natural wonder known for its dramatic eruptions and captivating beauty.
  • Indulge in the tranquility of Playa Flamingo’s white sand beaches, offering the perfect setting to relax and witness spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Coast.
  • Encounter a diverse range of climates and landscapes, including lush tropical rainforests, primary and secondary dry forests, and idyllic sandy beaches, making it challenging to pick a favorite among these enchanting destinations.

Trip Code: FMCR7-2478

Per person from
$1840

Rate based on Quadruple Occupancy.
Single Supplement and Family Pricing Available
Price listed based on Low-Season Pricing.
Travel Window: May 01st to June 12th,2025 and September 01st to October 31st,2025.

Rates may vary according to the travel season, please contact us to check availability and provide the correct price according to your travel dates.

9 Days / 8 Nights
Rio Celeste (2NT), Arenal (3NT), Flamingo Beach (3NT)
Costa-Rica-Travel-Agent Vanessa Willing
View Vanessa Willing's profile

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What's Included

  • 8 nights - Rio Celeste (2NT), Arenal (3NT), Flamingo Beach (3NT)
  • Private transfer from Liberia Airport to Rio Celeste
  • Guided Rio Celeste Hike at National Park
  • Private transfer from Rio Celeste to Arenal
  • Combo Rafting + Chocolate Tour (L)
  • La Fortuna Highlights Tour – Hanging Bridges, Waterfall (L)
  • Private transfer Arenal to Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
  • Coastal Catamaran and Snorkeling Cruise
  • Private transfer from Flamingo, Guanacaste to Liberia Airport
  • Breakfast (8), Lunch (2)
  • Taxes and in country 24/7 support

Is this trip right for me?

Travel Style: Active

Hikes to get to the waterfalls

Activities: Physically demanding

Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Rafting Class II-III, Hot Springs, Rio Celeste Hike

Possibility to see animals: High!

Bring your camera and binoculars

What should I not forget?:

Repellent and sunscreen

Expert opinions

Trip Designed by Travel Expert Vanessa Willing
View Vanessa Willing's profile

Why you’ll love it

  • Crystal swimming pools
  • Hicking
  • Hot springs in Arenal
  • Lots of flora and fauna
  • Romantic destinations
  • Volcanic hot spring pools at Arenal
  • Walk on golden-sand beaches

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Welcome to Costa Rica!!!

  • Arrival to Liberia Airport
  • Private Transfer to your Rio Celeste Hotel
  • Free time during the afternoon to explore the surroundings.
  • Overnight at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

DAY 2:

Rio Celeste

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Guided Hiking at Rio Celeste National Park
  • Overnight at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

DAY 3:

Rio Celeste to Arenal

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Private transfer from Rio Celeste to your La Fortuna hotel
  • Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel
  • Relax at the property hot springs and enjoy the landscaping.

DAY 4:

Arenal

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Combo Rafting and Chocolate Tour
  • Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel

DAY 5:

Arenal

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • La Fortuna Highlights Tour – Hanging Bridges, Waterfall + Local Lunch
  • Overnight at Arenal Manoa Hotel

DAY 6:

Arenal to Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Private Transfer La Fortuna to Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste
  • Enjoy the pool and a beautiful sunset on the beach.
  • Overnight at Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo

DAY 7:

Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Catamaran and Snorkeling Sailing Tour
  • Overnight at Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo

DAY 8:

Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Your day - your choice
  • Overnight at Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo

DAY 9:

Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste - Departure to Liberia Airport!!

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Private Transfer from Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste to Liberia Airport
  • Flight home, at this point, you should know the meaning of "Pura Vida" very well

DAY 1:

Welcome to Costa Rica!!!

Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Rio Celeste

Private Ground Transfer Liberia (LIR) to your Rio Celeste Hotel. Sit back and relax, your driver has this, and you will soon be at your hotel.

Overnight at Rio Celeste area hotel.

DAY 2:

Rio Celeste

Guided Rio Celeste Hike at National Park

Today you will experience a hike like no other. Your guide will hike with you to the magnificent Rio Celeste Waterfalls, Tenorio Volcano National Park’s stunning crown jewel, with ample time to bask in the milky turquoise blue wáter.

Overnight at Rio Celeste area hotel.

DAY 3:

Rio Celeste to Arenal

Private Transfer Rio Celeste to Arenal

Your journey continues onward to the iconic Arenal Volcano. After you arrive, enjoy the hotel’s mineral-rich hot springs, relax at the spa and enjoy a wood-fired pizza or a delicious farm-to-table evening meal.

Overnight at Arenal area hotel.

DAY 4:

Arenal

White Water Rafting & Chocolate Combo Tour!

Today you Will go on a Sweet Adventure. Taste sweet chocolate before heading out to raft on the Rio Balsa, which provides plenty of action and thrills on Class 2/3 rapids.

Overnight at Arenal área hotel.

DAY 5:

Arenal

Highlights of the Arenal Volcano.

Enjoy this ideal day that combines a guided walk among the treetops on Hanging Bridges and a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall with time for swimming in the pools that form below the cascading water.

Overnight at Arenal área hotel

DAY 6:

Arenal to Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste

Private Transfer  Arenal to Playa Flamingo

Leave the rainforest behind and heading the white-sand beaches of Playa Flamingo. Enjoy the ride around the majestic Lake Arenal as you cross the Guanacaste plains before reaching the Pacific coast.

Overnight at Guanacaste hotel.

DAY 7:

Flamingo - Guanacaste

Coastal Catamaran and Snorkeling Cruise

Sail away on the Coastal Cruise to enjoy the Pacific Coastline while enjoying a tasty buffet of snacks. At the end of the trip, you will hopefully be treated to one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular, colorful sunsets.

Overnight at Guanacaste area hotel

DAY 8:

Flamingo - Guanacaste

Leisure day – its your choice!

Day at Leisure.  Relax at the beach or pool or schedule a rejuvenating massage, facial or other treatment at the hotel spa.

Overnight at Guanacaste area hotel

DAY 9:

Flamingo - Guanacaste to Liberia Airport - Departure

Bon Voyage Meet your private driver for a transfer to the Libera (LIR) Airport today.

  • Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs

    Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Costa Rica countryside at Hotel Arenal Manoa. Stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, warm, friendly hospitality and fresh, seasonal and local cuisine come together to create one of Costa Rica’s most relaxing resorts.

    View more
  • Margaritaville Beach Resort

    Escape to Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo for a tropical getaway featuring golden sands, lush gardens, and ocean vistas. Indulge your senses at OnZen Spa, lounge on the pristine beach, or enjoy paddleboarding on the Pacific waves. Relax by the sparkling outdoor pool and sip a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar.

    View more

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